By Our Reporter
Several businessmen in Ndeba, a busy suburb of Kampala, are counting heavy losses after a devastating fire gutted more than 20 car spare parts shops on Easter Sunday night.
The fire, which broke out at around 10 p.m yesterday., swept through the area quickly, leaving destruction in its wake and reducing merchandise worth millions of shillings to ashes.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started in one of the locked shops and rapidly spread to neighboring stalls due to the closely packed structures and highly flammable materials stored inside.
Local residents and business owners tried to contain the flames before the arrival of the police fire brigade, but their efforts were in vain.
“I had just left the shop when I got a call that everything was burning. By the time I returned, it was too late,” said one shop owner, still in disbelief as he looked at the charred remains of his livelihood.
Police cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Preliminary reports suggest it could have been caused by an electrical fault, but authorities have not ruled out foul play.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, confirmed that forensic experts are on the ground to assess the damage and determine the cause.
No casualties were reported, but the incident has left dozens of traders in financial despair, especially after making significant stock purchases in preparation for the Easter season.
Many affected business owners are now appealing to the government and well-wishers for support to rebuild their businesses.
The tragedy has reignited concerns about fire safety measures in Kampala’s informal trading zones, where congested shops, poor wiring, and lack of firefighting equipment remain a major risk.
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